CHAIKOVSKY, Russia (Sept. 10, 2016) – Nita Englund (Florence, WI) came from behind to finish a strong seventh in the FIS Ski Jumping Summer Grand Prix in Chaikovsky Saturday. Japan’s Sara Takanshi took the win under the lights.
It was a strong day for the U.S. women with Tara Geraghty-Moats (West Fairlee, VT) 13th. For Englund, it was her first major international competition since scoring a pair of top-10s to end the World Cup season last February in Almaty, Kazahkstan.
Englund was11th after the first round with a jump of 93.5 meters. Geraghty-Moats flew 90.0 meters to stand 17th.
But in the second round, both Americans had strong rides. Englund flew 98.5 meters – fourth highest score of the round – to move up to seventh. Geraghty-Moats soared 94.0 meters to bump up to 13th.
“I found that it is nice to settle back into competition mode again, and it is good motivation for the winter,” said Englund. “I’m happy with my jumping today, and it was good that both Tara and I had a decent competition for USA.”
“I feel like tonight was a great reflection of the hard work both Nita and I have been putting in over the summer,” said Geraghty-Moats. “We are both really enjoying Russia. The facilities are amazing and I personally really like the jump and the atmosphere.”
The women have another competition Sunday to wrap-up the Grand Prix. Takanashi clinched the title with her second straight Grand Prix victory.
Full Results at:
Courtesy of Tom Kelly and USSA
